What's On Your Plate?

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

“What’s on Your Plate?” has enhanced club operations by creating a structured, intentional forum for employee voice, cross-department understanding, and early issue identification. By bringing together employees from different departments in a relaxed, shared-meal setting, we broke down traditional silos and encouraged honest dialogue about what is working well and where support or adjustment is needed.

Operationally, this initiative has:

• Surfaced frontline insights that leadership might not otherwise hear, allowing us to proactively address challenges before they become larger issues.
• Improved communication and collaboration across departments, as employees gain a clearer understanding of how their roles impact one another and the overall member experience.
• Increased employee engagement and morale by demonstrating that leadership values input, listens actively, and follows through on ideas.
• The result has been a more connected team, improved trust between staff and leadership, and smoother day-to-day operations driven by shared understanding and mutual respect.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Implementation was intentionally simple and scalable. Employees from each department were invited to attend a hosted lunch during work hours, with each session including a cross-section of the club’s operational areas. The agenda was informal but purposeful, guided by open-ended questions focused on:

• Department successes and challenges
• Ideas to strengthen club culture and teamwork
• Opportunities to enhance communication and camaraderie

As General Manager, I facilitated the conversation, listened more than I spoke, and ensured the environment felt safe, inclusive, and non-hierarchical. Notes and themes were documented, and follow-up actions were communicated back to the team so employees could see their input making a tangible difference.

Member reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, even if indirect. Members have noticed improved staff morale, stronger teamwork across departments, and a more consistent, engaged service experience. While members may not see the program itself, they feel its impact through happier employees, better communication, and a culture that clearly values people — which ultimately elevates the overall club experience.